#Rocktober - Talisman

It's only natural to talk about this next rock band after recently talking about Yngwie Malmsteen. Talisman were a Swedish hard rock band characterized by an international melodic/powerful sound.

Talisman was formed by bass player Marcel Jacob, who had previously played with Rising Force, John Norum Group and Power. While Jacob was playing with John Norum, he started working on tracks which he thought would end up on Norum's second solo album. The singer on those demos was Göran Edman, also in John Norum Group at that time. Norum rejected the songs and, in the meantime, Göran was offered the opportunity to join Yngwie Malmsteen's band. Jacob found himself with record label interest but no band so a vocalist was needed. On a whim, Marcel contacted Jeff Scott Soto who also was in Yngwie Malmsteen's band years earlier. Both Soto and Jacob had played on Yngwie Malmsteen's "Marching Out" in 1985, touring in support of the album during 1985 - 1986. Soto was extremely interested in what Marcel had done and once the songs were done and mixed, Marcel changed the work name for his solo project, Guitars On Fire to a new moniker called, TALISMAN.

On Dec. 19, 2006, Jeff Scott Soto was officially brought on as permanent singer for Journey, but was dismissed the following year. Talisman planned to do their final performances in Spring 2007, and the band subsequently dissolved on account of Jacob's health. Jacob committed suicide on July 21, 2009 (aged 45), after suffering from personal and health problems, effectively ending any chance of the band reforming.

In November 2012 the first four Talisman albums are rereleased in Digipack editions including new linear notes with personal comments from Jeff on each album, previously unreleased pics and audio material. The self-titled debut, featuring two new live bonus recordings and a bass solo studio instrumental track. On the "Genesis" album four demos from 1990 have been revisited with new drums and guitar recordings. Jamie, Fredrik & Pontus honor Marcels music with putting new sound to the recordings in the summer of 2012. The Five out of Five - Live In Japan. Now just named "Live In Japan" have got some additional music and complete new mix with the use of today’s technology. The Humanimal is a mix from the earlier Humanimal part 1 and 2.

On 21 December 2013, the band announced they were doing a one-off show on 6 June 2014 at the Sweden Rock Festival, in which they performed.

What does tomorrow bring?

Tune in to find out...